Copyright brisbanetimes
Travel eSIMs can not only help you avoid expensive roaming packages; they can also now apparently get you into airport lounges, keep you safe from hackers, and even help you skip the queue at check-in. What once felt like a niche hack for techy travellers is now an essential part of anyone’s packing list, and not just for anyone wanting to access Google Maps or FaceTime abroad. Rather than pay upwards of $10 a day for slow mobile data, or put up with dodgy hotel Wi-Fi, eSIMs are often a far superior alternative offering unlimited data – and calls and texts – at a far cheaper rate. They’re a digital SIM that’s built into your device, eliminating the need for physical SIM cards, and they typically activate in one minute or less. Just buy one online before you travel, and off you go. There are a few issues to be aware of. They’re only compatible with newer devices, at least smartphones that were released in the past five years or so, so first make sure that yours is eSIM-compatible. They’re also a bit more fiddly than a physical SIM in terms of replacing them, and some of them don’t come with a phone number, just data. The good part is that most newer smartphones have dual SIM functionality, meaning you can still leave your Australian SIM or eSIM in place, and add a travel eSIM for data. Just double-check your settings so your phone doesn’t quietly rack up roaming fees. Each of the eSIMs mentioned here are super simple to set up, and provide support if you have any issues.
